Discover more than 400 years of theatre-making magic

Containing items from the RSC Collection, one of the most significant Shakespeare and theatre collections in the world, our free The Play's The Thing exhibition offers a unique insight into the history of theatre-making in Stratford-upon-Avon.

No advance booking required, except for groups of 10+

Level 1 Swan Theatre
Midday - 7pm (4pm Sundays) 
Free

PLEASE NOTE: The Play's The Thing is currently closed for its annual changeover, from 31 to 12 April. It will officially reopen from midday on Saturday 26 April as part of our Shakespeare's Birthday celebrations.

New items for 2025/26

Reopening on Shakespeare’s birthday, enter the ever-changing world of the RSC, and explore our history and work here in Stratford-upon-Avon. Each year different community groups engage with our collections, sharing their perspectives and selecting objects for display.

For 2025, three groups with experience of displacement from home have helped co-curate this exhibition, reflecting themes of imagination and playfulness. Their choices and words show the power of theatre to inspire ideas and illuminate emotions across cultures, languages, and borders.